New Delhi: The Government of India will launch the eighth edition of the e-auction of diplomatic and ceremonial gifts presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17. A total of 1,498 items collected over the years through official visits, foreign engagements, and domestic occasions are set to go under the hammer in this major online auction event.
Among the highlights, 50 special “Hero Objects” have been selected to represent some of the most unique and culturally significant pieces in the entire collection. These standout artifacts draw from India’s rich artistic heritage and reflect the diverse traditions of states that have honored the Prime Minister with gifts over the years.
Notable items include a finely crafted silver idol of Lord Ram originating from Karnataka, which carries a base price of Rs 13.50 lakh, and a silver replica of a traditional Kakatiya art Toranam (archway), priced at Rs 9 lakh. The collection also features a “Tree of Life” Gond art painting from Madhya Pradesh’s indigenous Gond tribe, valued at Rs 7.50 lakh, and a handcrafted depiction of the Jagannath family on a chariot, with a starting bid of Rs 6 lakh.
These Hero Objects are intended to attract serious collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship tied closely to regional Indian traditions. The auction format allows bidders across the country to participate through an online portal, ensuring transparency and wider accessibility compared to traditional offline sales.
The gift auction initiative began several years ago as a measure to transparently sell surplus or duplicate diplomatic and ceremonial items. Since the first edition, the auctions have generated considerable public interest and returned revenue to the government exchequer while preserving culturally important artifacts within the country rather than allowing them to flow into private hands outside India.
Bidders are expected to register on the official e-auction platform ahead of the September 17 launch. While the full list of 1,498 items remains extensive, the curated selection of Hero Objects is likely to drive significant competition and bidding activity during the initial days of the sale.
